Blickman uses grade “304” stainless steel―the standard throughout the healthcare industry. Grade “304” stainless steel is an alloy containing a minimum of 18% chromium and 8% nickel. However, Blickman has also used a higher-grade “316” stainless steel for custom fabrications that require the greater corrosion resistance this alloy affords. For more information on Blickman’s manufacturing materials, please see Understanding Blickman Stainless Steel.

Chrome is plating or coating over the base metal, while stainless steel is the base metal itself. Accordingly, chrome can be subject over time and aggressive use to chipping or peeling, whereas stainless steel will never chip or peel. However, chrome products, when handled and treated properly, will provide years of productive use and represent an outstanding value alternative to stainless-steel products for those facilities with tighter budgets and/or less-aggressive requirements. Typically, chrome products are utilized throughout primary-care facilities, such as physician offices, ambulatory surgery centers and nursing homes, while stainless-steel products are required within most hospital operating rooms.

All but the most soiled stainless steel and chrome can be cleaned by either:

Warm water, with or without a non-abrasive soap or detergent

Glass cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and water

Whenever possible, please make sure to rinse and dry the cleaned surfaces afterward.

Stainless steel actually thrives with frequent cleaning, as an inherent surface film of chromium oxide is created whenever cleaned stainless surfaces are exposed to air. This surface film helps maintain the extraordinary corrosion resistance prized in stainless-steel products.

No. Although standard-grade “304” stainless steel is inherently nonmagnetic, other parts used in many Blickman products, such as casters and fasteners, may contain magnetic materials. Therefore, to be assured of fully nonmagnetic Blickman products that are safe and suitable for MRI suites, please view our MR Conditional Products.